SICK is one of the world’s leading solutions providers for sensor-based applications in the industrial sector. Founded in 1946 by Dr.-Ing. e. h. Erwin Sick, the company with headquarters in Waldkirch im Breisgau near Freiburg ranks among the technological market leaders. With 63 subsidiaries and equity investments as well as numerous agencies, SICK maintains a presence around the globe. SICK has more than 10,000 employees worldwide and generated a group revenue of EUR 2.1 billion in the 2024 fiscal year.

Job Description
Vice President R&D - Photoelectric Sensors & Fibers (f/m/d)

Our global development team includes around 100 employees located in Waldkirch, Singapore, and Minneapolis. Together, we work in interdisciplinary projects to drive the successful development of our products in the field of Photoelectric Sensors & Fibers. We are defined by open and solution-oriented collaboration in a global network, using both classical and agile methods. Continuous competence development and talent empowerment are especially important to us.

 

YOUR TASKS:

  • You take responsibility for the strategic and operational development and leadership of the R&D organization within the global Photoelectric Sensors & Fibers business unit
  • In close collaboration with Product Management and Operations, you shape the future of this business area as part of the management team—with entrepreneurial foresight, a strong innovation mindset, and a keen sense for emerging technologies
  • You align the business unit strategically as an integral part of the company to deliver impulses for future growth
  • You lead interdisciplinary and international development teams both functionally and disciplinarily—fostering a modern, empowering leadership style and actively driving change processes through effective change management
  • You identify technology trends early, translate them into innovative, market-ready solutions, and drive the development of successful products
  • As a passionate R&D leader, you initiate and support customer projects from idea to implementation
  • You promote the use of agile methods within project teams and support collaboration across the group, especially in the context of digital transformation
  • You hold full responsibility for business performance, budgets, and cost centers

 

YOUR PROFILE:

  • Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Microsystems Engineering, Mechatronics or a comparable field
  • Extensive professional experience in leading interdisciplinary and global development organizations, ideally in large and complex structures
  • Industry experience in industrial automation, sensor technology, and digital technologies
  • Proven track record in managing large-scale development projects and working within international networks
  • Entrepreneurial mindset, innovative spirit, and strong willingness to explore new paths—paired with strategic vision and a pragmatic approach
  • A modern leader with change readiness and an inspiring, forward-looking leadership style
  • Structured, analytical, and solution-oriented way of thinking combined with a strong sense of responsibility
  • Fluent in German and proficient in English, both written and spoken
Information at a Glance
Requisition-ID:  37087
Posting Job Location:  Waldkirch (bei Freiburg)
Full-time/Part-time:  Full-time
Contract Type: 

Contact: Helene Lutz

At SICK, we see people, not gender. 
We put great emphasis on diversity, reject discrimination and do not think in categories such as gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, age or sexual identity.